Lawrence William Zonsius, 88, died on September 24th, 2013. Born in Chicago on April 2, 1925, he was the son of the late Louise L. and Lawrence W. Zonsius, Sr. His childhood was spent in the Sauganash neighborhood of Chicago, and he graduated from North Park Academy High School. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity before serving in WWII at age 19. As a member of the 99th division of the U. S Army, he was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and later received the Purple Heart award. He returned to graduate from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an insurance broker, past president and chairman of the Rockwood Company in Chicago, having retired in 1987. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Union League Club. Larry was also an active member and served in many leadership roles at First Presbyterian Church and Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, IL, and was most recently a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Huntley, IL.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Patricia Schmidt Zonsius; daughters, Deborah (Jack) Lane of Atlanta, GA, and Anne (Edward) Martin of Fort Wayne, IN; son, David (Jessica) of San Antonio, TX; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 5 step-children, their spouses, and 9 step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Eloise Henry Zonsius.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 27th at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, with visitation one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or the charity of your choice.
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We are saddened to hear about your Fathers passing, prayers are sent to You and Your Family. THE MEASURE OF A MAN: Not - "how did he die" But - "how did he live" Not - "what did he gain" But - "what did he give" These are the units To measure the worth Of a man, as a man, Regardless of birth.
Pat, it's this time in life when I wish I could turn back time. My association with Larry began in troubled times when surviving was the paramount issue but created a bond continuing for sixty nine years. To me, Larry was more than a friend. My sincere "condolere" for your loss of a loved one.
Dear Pat - It was so nice knowing you and Larry in Rivershire, and seeing you, though briefly, in Arizona. You seemed to live life to the fullest with the time you had together. Please accept the support and comfort that friends, faith and your family offer, and count us among the friends.
We have fond memories of dinners at the Scottsdale condo with Pat and Larry. You shared such loving family and life stories. May those memories comfort the entire family. Larrys love of life and smile touched all those who met him. God bless, Carol and Joe